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- Tasks: Lead skills policy initiatives and influence reforms for adult social care.
- Company: Skills for Care champions workforce development in England's adult social care sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social care while working with key government bodies and stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in skills and education policy, strong communication, and engagement skills required.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and provide support for those needing adjustments during the recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hours: 36
Job Status: Fixed Term, 31st March 2026
Location: Home-based, with some travel within England
Salary: £52,575.15
Closing Date: Monday 21st April 2025
Interview Date(s): Tuesday 29th April 2025 and Thursday 1st May 2025.
Skills for Care is the strategic workforce development and planning body for adult social care in England. We work with employers, Government, and partners to ensure social care has the right people, skills, and support required to deliver the highest quality care and support now and in the future.
Skills for Care is recruiting an External Affairs and Policy Manager (Skills) to ensure we’re actively involved in skills policy and associated reform – to the benefit of the adult social care workforce. Reporting to the Head of External Affairs and Policy and working closely with our workforce skills team, the successful candidate will help the organisation to understand and influence skills policy - developing policy positions and advancing them through public affairs activities, supporting colleagues across the organisation to align workforce activities and initiatives with relevant changes within the skills landscape, and ensuring that the adult social care workforce is adequately represented and valued within the shaping and implementation of skills policy.
You’ll be responsible for owning and developing an influencing plan to enable an effective skills pipeline and skills development for adult social care. This will involve working with a wide range of bodies including the Department for Education, Skills England, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government.
Ideal candidates will bring a wealth of experience working in the skills and education policy landscape, a strong network of contacts in the skills sector, and be able to apply exceptional communication, engagement, and influencing skills to ensure the adult social care sector is represented in skills policy and associated reforms.
If you are interested in this role, please access the full job description for further information, and we look forward to receiving your application.
At Skills for Care, we are committed to creating a culture of Belonging, where all of our People are able to contribute to their full potential. All our People are expected to contribute towards the achievement of our aspirations for equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion. To find out more please check our website.
At Skills for Care, we want our People to be representative of the society we support, including all equality characteristics such as age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion, or belief. This lived experience from a diverse group of people helps us with all the work that we do and ultimately supports the social care sector to provide the best quality care. We encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.
Candidates will always be selected based on experience and potential.
Information about reasonable adjustments: We want all applicants to be able to fully participate in our selection processes. We welcome requests for adjustments to our recruitment and selection processes from applicants with disabilities, impairments, or health conditions, and will always consider support available in the recruitment process. Please contact our People Team via email to discuss any adjustments that you may need.
External Affairs and Policy Manager (Skills) employer: Skills For Care
Contact Detail:
Skills For Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Affairs and Policy Manager (Skills)
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the skills and education policy landscape. Attend relevant conferences, webinars, and events to meet key stakeholders and decision-makers in the sector. Building relationships with individuals from organisations like the Department for Education and Skills England can give you insights and connections that are invaluable.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and reforms in skills policy. Follow industry news, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and engage with thought leaders on social media. This knowledge will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced policy or engaged with stakeholders in the past. Be ready to articulate your approach to developing an influencing plan and how it aligns with the goals of Skills for Care. This will showcase your strategic thinking and practical experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with Skills for Care's mission and values, particularly around equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how your personal experiences and professional background align with these values, as this will resonate well with the organisation's culture and objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace External Affairs and Policy Manager (Skills)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the External Affairs and Policy Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the skills and qualifications mentioned.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in skills and education policy. Provide specific examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to influence policy and engage with stakeholders effectively.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires exceptional communication and engagement skills, include examples of how you have successfully communicated complex ideas or influenced decision-making in past roles. This could be through presentations, reports, or stakeholder engagement.
Express Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Skills for Care values diversity and inclusion. In your application, mention any relevant experiences or initiatives you have been involved in that promote equality and representation within the workforce or community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skills For Care
✨Research Skills Policy Landscape
Before the interview, make sure to familiarise yourself with the current skills policy landscape in adult social care. Understand recent reforms and how they impact the workforce. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're proactive about staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your connections within the skills sector during the interview. Discuss how your network can be leveraged to influence policy and support the adult social care workforce. This will illustrate your ability to engage with key stakeholders effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may assess your problem-solving and influencing skills. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex policy issues or engaged with diverse stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
As communication is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss how you tailor your messaging for different audiences. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex policy information to non-experts, showcasing your ability to engage and inform.
